Monterey Bay Parent won seven national awards, including five Golds, at the 2026 Parenting Media Association awards. See the winning stories on letting go, e-bikes, menopause, California bucket-list adventures and more.
Read ArticleKey Takeaways Top spots for viewing fall color in Monterey County are Carmel Valley, Fort Ord National Monument between Salinas and Monterey, and Toro Park...
Read Articleember is here, the holidays are quickly approaching, and Monterey County Free Libraries (MCFL) wants to keep your family learning, engaged and inspired all year long. Here’s what’s happening at the library this month.
Read ArticleKey Takeaways Hope Services is a nonprofit that has supported people with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) and their families for more than 70 years,...
Read ArticleBlippi brings curiosity, movement, and plenty of silly fun to the stage, making this an exciting outing for little explorers! He’s appearing in Monterey!
Read ArticleHalloween can be a magical time for children: pumpkins, costumes, music, treats, and plenty of opportunities for play. But for some children, especially toddlers, neurodivergent children, and children with sensory processing differences, the traditional Halloween experience can also come with a lot of unexpected sensory input.
Read ArticleOctober on the Central Coast is something special. The summer crowds have thinned, the fog tends to lift, and some of the year’s warmest, clearest days arrive just in time for a packed month of community celebrations. From milestone birthdays for our local cities to fireworks over the water, here are ten family-friendly events worth marking on your calendar this month.
Read ArticleAsk a longtime Salinas parent about Northridge Mall, and you’ll likely get more than directions to the food court—you’ll get a memory. Maybe it’s a first job at 16. Maybe it’s photos with Santa every December. For many Monterey County families, the mall isn’t only a place to shop; it’s integrated into the rhythm of growing up here. And this year, one of those treasured memories is making a comeback: The carousel is returning.
Read ArticleFall along the Central Coast doesn’t always mean crisp air and turning leaves — around here, it’s more likely to mean morning fog burning off...
Read ArticleAI can be an incredible tool. It can help a student understand a difficult math concept, give feedback on writing, translate information, and spark creativity. But like just about every technology we hand to our kids, it comes with risks. Here’s info on how to protect Monterey County children.
Read ArticleThanks to First 5 Monterey County and local partners, children from birth to age five can receive a book each month. For more info: first5monterey.org/imaginationlibrary/
Read ArticleIn coordination with schools, higher learning centers, and health care agencies, County of Monterey Health Department is hosting a series of free influenza (“flu”) immunization clinics. Everyone 6 months of age and older is welcome. Children less than 18 years of age must be accompanied by a parent or legal guardian. No appointment, ID, or insurance card is required.
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